Tottenham find Modric replacement

Tottenham are weighing up a move for Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic, as they prepare for life without Luka Modric.

The Croatian midfielder has already expressed his desire to leave the club and could do so by the end of the transfer window, but Harry Redknapp has already identified his replacement.

The experienced boss is pondering a £10 million move for Lyon playmaker Miralem Pjanic, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Bosnian midfielder has failed to earn a regular starting place at Lyon and is widely looking to leave Gerland this summer.

The 21-year-old is, nevertheless, considered a great prospect for the future and already has a lot of experience for a player of his age.

Pjanic not only has a similar playing style to Luka Modric but is also of the same stature as the Croat, which is another reason why Redknapp believes he would be the perfect replacement for the 25-year-old.

Swansea agree Routledge fee

Swansea City are poised to clinch a £2 million move for Newcastle winger Wayne Routledge, while they are also closing on Middlesbrough frontman Leroy Lita.


Both players are expected to undergo medicals early next week and could feature in Wednesday's night's friendly with Celtic.

"The bottom line is that we need to have a good squad, and these two are players who are going to help us stay in the league," boss Brendan Rodgers said at Swansea's pre-season training camp in Austria. "They have both played in the Premier League before, they are both hungry to push on and they both have pace."

Lita, 26, made his name with Reading in the Premier League, while former England Under-21 man Routledge's career stalled after he was tipped for the top at Crystal Palace, when he failed to make the breakthrough at Spurs or Aston Villa.

Most recently he impressed on loan at QPR, but Newcastle have decided to cash in and spend the money elsewhere in their squad.

Sneijder snub City interest - await for a possible move to Old Trafford

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has reportedly snubbed Manchester City's interest in his services in favour of rivals United.

The Dutch playmaker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the transfer window with the clubs reportedly set to agree to a 27.5 million euros fee.

But rivals Manchester City also enquired about the midfielder, only to be told he was more interested in joining English Premier League champions United.

"City were also put off by Inter's asking price, which is also a problem for United because of his salary expectations."

"United have told Inter they will pay 27.5 million euros for Sneijder. Inter have said they want 40 million euros, although they could be willing to sell for 35 million euros."

Talks have stalled between the parties but it is likely a deal will be reached with new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini no longer considering Sneijder indispensable.

If Sneijder makes the move, Inter are likely to make a bid for want-away Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine's representative, Kia Joorabchian, was reportedly in Milan on Thursday to speak with Inter officials.

Sporting Lisbon signs Grenoble's Atila Turan

Sporting Lisbon has completed the signing of Grenoble left-back Atila Turan, the Portuguese club has announced.

The France Under-19 international reportedly joins Sporting on a free transfer following a wage dispute with Grenoble.

Turan has penned a five-year contract which will keep him at the Estadio de Alvalade until the summer of 2016, with a 30 million euro buy-out clause inserted into the deal.

At his official presentation, Turan praised Sporting's project and the products of the club's youth ranks.

"I know that [Luis] Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo played here. I know [coach] Domingos, who was the coach of Sporting Braga and he is very competent," Turan said. "I had other offers, but I was enthusiastic with Sporting's proposal from the start."

Turan has now become the 13th summer signing made by Sporting.

Sabella named new Argentina coach

Alejandro Sabella was appointed Argentina coach following the removal of Sergio Batista
Sabella, 56, coached Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores and had been due to take charge of Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates before Batista's exit, which was prompted by a disappointing Copa America showing.

Jose Luis Meiszner, the general secretary of the Argentine Football Association, told Telam: "The decision has been taken. Sabella is the choice."

Sabella will be instructed to make a success of one of world football's most talented squads, where he will be able to pick from the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria, amongst others.

Eagles and Mears join Bolton

Bolton have completed the signings of Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears from Burnley.
Owen Coyle worked with Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears at Turf Moor

Midfielder Eagles, 25, and defender Mears, 28, have both agreed three-year contracts.

"Both Chris and Tyrone are top players and have shown that they have the ability to compete successfully at the highest level," Owen Coyle said. "I have worked with them both before and know what they will bring to the club in terms of character and commitment and along with Nigel Reo-Coker, we have added real quality to the squad."

The pair become Coyle's third and fourth signings of the summer after the arrivals of Darren Pratley and Reo-Coker.

"I know that it is a good squad so the challenge for me will be to work hard and then look to contribute," Eagles said. "I am an attacking midfielder and I will certainly be looking to chip in with some goals."

Mears added: "I'm really looking forward to working with a manager I've worked with before and playing in the Premier League. From the outside looking in, this has seemed like it is a club going in the right direction.

"It wasn't a difficult decision at all. I know exactly what the manager expects from his players and I'm more than ready for it."

Jurgen Klinsmann replace Bob Bradley as the US coach

Jurgen Klinsmann was hired by the United States Soccer Federation to be the next coach of the men’s national team on Friday. Goal.com reported yesterday that the former Germany boss was the favorite for the position and Gulati was finally able to reach an agreement with the 46-year-old coach.

“We are excited to have Jürgen as the head coach of our Men’s National Team,” said Gulati. “He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program. Jürgen has had success in many different areas of the game and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field.” 

A resident of the United States, Klinsmann has been passionate about the growth of soccer within the country. He has a good relationship with U.S. star Landon Donovan and has been working as a consultant for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC. He is excited to finally have the opportunity.

“I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Klinsmann. “I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead. I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

The USSF announced that Klinsmann will have his first press conference as head coach on Aug. 1 in New York. His first game will be against Mexico in a friendly in Philadelphia on Aug. 10.

Sporting move for £9m Bendtner

Nicklas Bendtner is set for a fresh start away from Arsenal as the Denmark striker closes in on a £9million move to Sporting Lisbon.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger last week revealed the 23-year-old had been given permission to miss the friendly against Cologne and training camp in Germany "to sort out his future".

Bendtner, pushed further down the pecking order following the £11million arrival of Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, was photographed in Portugal and is expected to push through the formalities of his move over the weekend.

Two other Arsenal players who look set to miss the Emirates Cup - which will see former Gunners striker Thierry Henry return to the club with New York Red Bulls - are captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott who is injured.

Fabregas, who remains the subject of a £30million transfer bid by Barcelona, has not featured at all during pre-season, training with the youth squad this week as he works on a hamstring injury, which, officially at least, has been the reason for his extended absence.

With Bendtner's departure set to follow that of long-serving defender Gael Clichy, Wenger is likely to quickly reinvest those transfer funds, which could be boosted by a further £4million should Emmanuel Eboue join Galatasaray.

Valencia's Juan Mata has long been on the Arsenal manager's radar, and his £15million signature would go some way to offsetting the impending departure of Fabregas, as well as guarding against the uncertain future of contract rebel Samir Nasri.

But Valencia claim they do not intend to sell and say the player is happy at Mestalla.

Lita: Boro striker set for Swansea switch

Leroy Lita is set to complete a move to Swansea after they agreed a fee of around £1.75million with Middlesbrough for his services.

The two clubs have agreed a deal for the former Reading striker, who will meet Swans' officials on Wednesday to discuss personal terms.

The 26-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Riverside Stadium, where he's scored 20 goals in almost 80 appearances.

But, speaking to The Northern Echo, Boro manager Tony Mowbray said there's a long way to go before the move is finalised.

He said: "Leroy was going to see what was on offer. It's not cut and dried, not at all. We have agreed a fee with Swansea. It doesn't mean much

"I've had a good chat with him. He has a chance to play in the Premier League and good on him. His talent has earned him that chance. If he comes back then I'm sure he will work hard to get in this team."

£70million bid for Brazilian striker Hulk Rejected

Porto have rejected a staggering £70million bid for Brazilian striker Hulk from an undisclosed club, according to his agent.

Several European giants are thought to be in the market for the 24-year-old, with Manchester City, Chelsea and AC Milan among the teams to be linked.

However Hulk, who signed a five-year extension on his deal with treble-winning Porto in May, has a £89.5million release clause.

The player has continually stressed his intention to remain at the Estadio do Dragao and his agent, Teodoro Fonseca, claims Porto snubbed the offer without leaving room for any negotiation.

Fonseca refused to be drawn on which club had tried to lure Hulk away.

He added: "I cannot reveal that. But it is not hard to see because there are only three or four clubs who are able to present those kind of numbers for a player."

The appointment of former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas as manager at Chelsea has fuelled speculation that Hulk is poised for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic to move to Blackburn

The 22-year-old looked destined to join the Eredivisie side this summer having passed a medical in Arnhem, while a reported £2.7million transfer fee had been agreed.

However, negotiations over a potential five-year contract collapsed, opening the door for Rovers to make their move.

Vitesse technical director Ted van Leeuwen admits the Dutch club now look likely to miss out on the youngster's signature, with Steve Kean's side close to completing a deal after reportedly tabling an offer.

He told Omroep Gelderland: "It looks like a deal will be made (with Blackburn), so it will be hard for us."

Petrovic, capped 18 times for Serbia, has established himself as a key player in Belgrade since his 2008 arrival.

He would mark Rovers' first signing of the summer, with the Lancashire side having failed to strike in the transfer market so far.

Udinese signs Brazilian defender Neuton from Gremio

Udinese has announced the signing of Brazilian defender Neuton, who joins from Gremio on a five-year contract.

The 21-year-old has impressed in his homeland in the past two seasons, and the Italian side has been keeping tabs on his progress.

The news was revealed on the club's official website, but no transfer fee has been disclosed as yet.

"Udinese can announce that it has acquired outright the rights of the defender Sergio Piccoli Neuton from Brazilian [side] Gremio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense. The player has signed an agreement with I Bianconeri for five years," the statement read.

The Erechim born man will add versatility and strength in depth to Francesco Guidolin's backline, as he can play at either center back or on the left, and he does not qualify as one of the outfit's non-EU players, as he holds an Italian passport.

The new addition to the team will be unveiled in a press conference later on Wednesday.

Emmanuel-Thomas has signed for Ipswich Town from Arsenal

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has signed for Ipswich Town from Arsenal for a fee thought to be worth around £1 million.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas spent time on loan at Cardiff last season
Emmanuel-Thomas was the captain of Arsenal's 2009 FA Youth Cup-winning side, but he only featured for the first team on five occasions and decided it was time to start playing first-team football.

"Obviously it came to the stage in my career at Arsenal where I needed to be playing games," he said. "I had a good time at Arsenal and I'm going to miss all the boys but my future is about me and I needed to move on.

"I was impressed with what Paul Jewell had to say. My goal is to play in the Premier League with Ipswich."

Emmanuel-Thomas, who tends to play either as a striker or on the wing, already has experience of Championship football, having previously featured on loan for Cardiff City.

Atalanta, Chievo Verona face match fixing probe

Chievo Verona and Atalanta of the Serie A are among 18 clubs named on suspicion of match-fixing, the Italian football federation FIGC said on Tuesday.

Twenty-six players and officials, including former Italy player Giuseppe Signori and Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni, have also been mentioned in a report by FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi.

Three Serie B teams - Ascoli, Hellas Verona and Sassuolo - 11 Pro League teams - Alexandria, Cremonese, Benevento, Ravenna, Virtus Entella, Piacenza, Esperia Viareggio, Portogruaro, Taranto, Spezia and Reggiana - and two amateur sides - Cus Chieti and Pino Di Matteo - will also be called before the prosecutor at the hearings starting early next month.

The FIGC probe is related to a criminal investigation into match-fixing/betting which at first centred on the lower leagues but now concerns 60 games in the top three divisions.

Sixteen people, including Signori, who protests in innocence, were arrested two months ago. They are suspected to have formed an organised system featuring former and current players, sports betting operators and others which manipulated games to rake in large sums from betting on the games.

The Italian authorities are so far believed to have identified 18 suspicious matches, including one Serie A encounter between Inter Milan and Lecce, and made a total of 16 arrests.

Last season's Serie B clash between Piacenza and Atalanta - who subsequently secured promotion to the top flight - has also come under scrutiny following reports of irregular betting patterns.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Atalanta risks demotion and club captain Doni faces a three-year ban if the allegations are proven.

Signori, 43, was among those arrested on June 1 amid claims by prosecutors that the 16 had been involved in manipulating results of matches in Serie B and lower leagues.

Italian football was last gripped by match-fixing allegations in 2006, when the Calciopoli affair saw Juventus stripped of two Scudettos and relegated to Serie B after being found guilty of trying to influence referee selection.

Argentina sack Batista after Copa exit

The Argentinian Football Association has terminated the contract of the Albicelestes' coach, Sergio Batista.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced the move in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign in the Copa America, at which they were hosts.

Argentina were eliminated in quarter-finals by Uruguay, who went on to lift the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening.

Cherquis Bialo told reporters: ''The national teams committee has decided to rescind the contract that attached Mr Batista with the Argentinian Football Association.

''In a very good natured, mature telephone conversation, Mr Batista and Mr Julio Grondona (the AFA president) talked and Batista left his situation in the hands of the AFA.

''Batista is a man who does not need any explanation. He talked to the AFA president and allowed him to decide whatever he considers the right thing.''

As Argentina start the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in October, the AFA hope to name Batista's successor within a week.

''In the upcoming seven days, we hope we can reveal the name of the new coach,'' Cherquis Bialo said. ''The candidates' names will be evaluated by the national teams committee.''

Argentina were scheduled to play a friendly against Romania next month, but Cherquis Bialo announced it has been cancelled.

Ajax keeper Stekelenburg close to joining Roma

Roma are close to securing a deal for Netherlands keeper Maarten Stekelenburg from Ajax.

The keeper, a star at last year's World Cup, has been targetted Roma for most of the summer but previous bids for him were below Ajax's valuation.

His agent Franco Parisi, believes a deal is close. "We are working to close the differences," Parisi told Romanews.eu. "The matter must be sorted within the next 24 hours. If it isn't an agreement may never arrive."

Despite Steklenburg being out of contract next year, Roma's 5 million euro was rebuffed by Ajax but the offer is now believed to have increased to 8 million euros.

Napoli, Manchester United & Manchester City have all made enquiries for Shakhtar Donetsk's Douglas Costa

A number of clubs from Italy, England and Spain have all been taking note of the Brazilian, his representative has said, and any offer from top leagues will be considered


Back in June, Costa, 20, said he was pleased after learning of an interest from Napoli and Roma, who were both linked with his services.

His five goals in 27 games for the Ukrainian side last term have not gone unnoticed across the European continent, and Bottega has now confirmed the Italian and Premier League clubs have been sniffing around.

Cesar Bottega stated that Arsene Wenger’s side made an offer of cash plus out of favour midfielder Denilson for the talented Brazilian, but the offer was rejected by the Ukrainian club who are only interested in a money deal.

Yet, despite the links with a transfer, Costa could still remain with coach Mircea Lucescu's squad even though any subsequent offer will be considered.

"The player is happy in the Ukraine and he gets to play Champions League football with one of the most important teams in Europe," added the agent.

"But, if an opportunity from an important league arrives then we will consider it."

Costa is tied to Shakhtar until 2014.

Fulham complete signing of Pajtim Kasami from Palermo

Fulham have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami from Palermo for an undisclosed fee and he has now penned a four-year contract.

Boss Martin Jol is happy to have completed the signing of the Switzerland under-21 international as he looks to build a new side.

"Pajtim is a young, talented midfielder who has potential, so we are very excited about signing him on a four-year contract,” he told the club's official website.

“He is a versatile midfield player who can adapt quite easily to more than one position. He is a key player in the Swiss under-21 team.

Kasami appeared 24 times for Palermo having joined the Serie A outfit from Swiss side Bellinzona 12 months ago, and he also spent time with Liverpool as a youth player.

He was part of the Swiss side that reached the final of this summer’s Under-21 European Championship.

Villa agree £9.5m fee for N'Zogbia

Aston Villa have agreed a £9.5 million deal with Wigan for winger Charles N'Zogbia and are close to completing the move.

Wigan had rejected Villa's bid of £9 million for the former Newcastle player. But the two clubs held further discussions over the weekend and are believed to have reached a compromise figure of around £9.5 million.

New Villa boss Alex McLeish needs a new winger after the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively this summer. He will take nothing for granted after failing to sign N'Zogbia when Birmingham boss last summer.

N'Zogbia will hold talks over personal terms in the next 24 hours and undergo a medical before signing what is expected to be a five-year deal.

He would be likely to have to wait to join up with Villa's first-team squad. McLeish's team are currently on a pre-season tour of Hong Hong and N'Zogbia does not have the required work visa.

Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax sack entire staff

Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax have seen their entire coaching staff sacked after losing 2-0 to FC Basel on Sunday.

Neuchatel, who were recently taken over by Chechen businessman Bulat Chagaev, lie at the bottom of the Swiss league after two games and two defeats, but took the steps to remove coach Francois Ciccolini, team manager Sonny Anderson and the rest of the staff who were only appointed in June.

"They can't ask us to perform magic," Ciccolini told the online edition of 20 Minutes newspaper. While Anderson added: "He (Chagaev) is the chief shareholder, he makes the decisions."

Chagaev took over the club in May and immediately sacked administrative staff, sponsors and two coaches. Didier Olle-Nicole went first on May 12, the day the club was sold to Chagaev, and his replacement Bernard Challendes lost his job when his side lost to Sion in the Swiss Cup final.

The upheavals have also seen Brazilian goalkeeper Rodrigo Galatto sacked after only one game after a poor performance in the 3-0 home defeat by FC Lucerne in their opening match of the season.

Uruguay won Copa America 2011 after 16 years courtesy of goal from Forlan and Suarez

Uruguay have won their first Copa America since 1995 after a comprehensive 3-0 win in the final over a toothless Paraguay at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The Paraguayans reached the final without winning a single match in normal time but their fortune ran out against a Uruguay side who were vastly superior.

Luis Suarez put La Celeste ahead after 12 minutes and Forlan doubled the lead 30 minutes later. Atletico Madrid striker Forlan then added a late third to tie Hector Scarone as Uruguay's leading goalscorer with 31.

Uruguay bossed the first half with the pace and movement of Forlan and Suarez proving particularly troublesome for Paraguay's overworked defence.

Oscar Tabarez's men bristled with intent from the off and could have gone ahead inside two minutes. Suarez battled his way past two defenders and his scuffed shot was goalbound before Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar managed to smother it behind.

Paraguay's defence had been the foundation for their run to the final but it was breached for the first time in six hours after 12 minutes.

The ball fell fortuitously to Suarez in the area and the Liverpool striker turned smartly before clipping in a shot which beat Villar via Dario Veron's leg and the left-hand post.

Uruguay were dominating all over the field and they got the second goal their opening-half display deserved three minutes before the break when Egidio Arevalo dispossessed Ortigoza before playing in Forlan and his powerful drive easily beat Villar for his first goal in 13 internationals.

Paraguay wasted another route back into the contest after 62 minutes when midfielder Cristian Riveros failed to connect with Ivan Piris' cross at the near post after attempting an unnecessary back-heel.

But Tabarez's men did have the final say with a wonderful third in the final minute. Cavani swept a cross-field pass to Suarez, whose cushioned header was perfect for Forlan to run on to and slot past the advancing Villar.

Balotelli in the spotlight again as City draw with Galaxy

Mario Balotelli sparked controversy as he was substituted after only 31 minutes following his attempted backheel when clean through on goal in Manchester City's narrow pre-season win over the LA Galaxy.

Balotelli had already put City ahead from the penalty spot after Micah Richards had been fouled.

He was then sent clear of the home side's defence on the half hour but instead of attempting to score normally, Balotelli tried a complicated pivot, followed by a backheel which rolled wide.

Manager Roberto Mancini was clearly furious and immediately took Balotelli off.

The striker responded with a few choice words to the City chief as he made his way to the bench, indicating that he did not understand what he had done wrong.

Mancini replied, presumably pointing out how disrespectful the move had been. Balotelli angrily took his place on the bench before throwing his water-bottle to the ground in disgust.

He did not return to the dug-out for the second half, further fuelling an already tempestuous relationship with Mancini.

Balotelli has not been at City for 1 year but already his crime sheet is extensive.

He was sent-off at West Brom in November, then against Dynamo Kiev in a last 16 Europa League tie which Mancini branded "stupid".

On more than one occasion the City chief accused Balotelli of not listening to him and the 20-year-old raised further eyebrows when he accepted the Golden Boy award and declared of the previous winners, the only one who was a "little bit" better than him was Lionel Messi.

He did not turn up for an end-of-season trophy parade - even though he was named man-of-the-match as City defeated Stoke in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Already this season he was pictured showing off a T-shirt of questionable taste, which was condemned by the Damilola Taylor Trust.

With the club due to return to England at the end of their three-match tour, Mancini will presumably let Balotelli know exactly what he thinks.

The controversy surrounding Ballotelli's substitution reduced David Beckham's 45-minute appearance to a sideshow as Mike Magee bagged a second-half leveller for the hosts before Joe Hart ended a marathon penalty shoot-out to secure a 7-6 spot-kick triumph for City.

Wenger will buy two Spaniards if Cesc's sold.

Arsenal are ready to break their transfer record with £20million moves for Valencia’s Juan Mata and Villarreal’s Santi Cazorla if the sale of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona finally goes through this week.

Barca vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu is in London this weekend and wants to meet Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis to submit a new £35m offer to Arsenal and drive through the deal.

Fabregas missed the friendly win against FC Cologne in Germany and Arsenal have cited an ongoing hamstring injury, with insiders denying any suggestion that Fabregas is effectively on strike.

It seems all it will take for Fabregas to go is for Barcelona to match Arsenal’s £40m valuation, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refuses to comment anything until the transfer is agreed.

With the forecast income from Fabregas plus a kitty of about £25m, Arsenal are ready to spend serious money this summer, smashing their club record of £17.5m for Andrey Arshavin in 2009, possibly by buying Mata, 23, a left-sided wide player, for  whom Valencia will demand £25m.

Mata is Arsenal’s most expensive target along with Spain team-mate Cazorla, 26, who can play on either wing or centrally. Cazorla though is also being chased by Malaga.

Gervinho has an instant impact for Arsenal

Gervinho scored twice in his first 15 minutes as an Arsenal player as the Gunners beat Cologne 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast international, signed from the French champions Lille by Arsène Wenger earlier this month, made an impressive start by opening the scoring just seven minutes into the game with the Bundesliga side when he finished well after being sent clear on goal by a pass from Jack Wilshere.

Eight minutes later Gervinho made it 2-0, this time benefitting from good work on the right flank by Theo Walcott.

But Arsenal's new arrival did not get the chance to add to his double strike, as he was substituted just before the half-hour mark with what seemed to be a minor knock after colliding with the Cologne substitute goalkeeper, Miro Varvodic.

Arsenal's other new signing, Carl Jenkinson, had a far less memorable night when the teenage defender scored a spectacular own goal just before half-time, but the Gunners held on fairly comfortably in the second half.

Samir Nasri willing to remain at Arsenal and leave for free next summer

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is believed to be willing to remain in north London for another year and then leave on a Bosman transfer.

The 24-year-old had a breakthrough campaign last season, making 46 appearances, scoring 15 goals and contributing five assists. His performances also saw him nominated for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

Despite his strong showings, Arsene Wenger's men again failed to lay their hands on any silverware, as the trophy drought extended to six years.

Since the end of the season the former Marseille man has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, with Manchester City thought to be interested in his services.

Now The Sun reports that the midfielder is ready to see out his contract at Ashburton Grove and leave for free next summer.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the Gunner has told his teammates that he is not going to sign a new contract with the club.

For his part, Arsenal manager Wenger has maintained that he would be willing to risk losing the midfielder for free in order to keep him at the club for another season.

He said: "I'm willing to keep him for another year, even if it means we risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.

"I think the board agrees with me as it is a technical decision. Our goal is to win the championship and we need good players to do that."

Ferguson: No more signing.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Manchester United are not currently in the market for new summer signings and he is looking at the Old Trafford dressing room to provide the answer to Paul Scholes' retirement.

At various points in the summer, Samir Nasri, Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder have all been linked with big-money moves to United. However, Nasri appears bound for Manchester City, whilst any deals to sign Sneijder or Modric apparently look too expensive for Ferguson to sanction.

It means the United boss could end up going into the new campaign with the players already at his disposal, which would mean the likes of Anderson having to step up on the efforts of previous years.

''We are always looking for good quality players,'' said Ferguson. ''We started the season with the players we have and I am satisfied with that. We are not looking at the moment but we are looking at combinations of central midfielders now at the club.''

Meanwhile, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ferguson has played down suggestions Ryan Giggs could become the target of abuse from opposition fans this season.

The 37-year-old is due to commence his 21st season with the Old Trafford outfit but will do so after a summer of negative headlines. Ferguson has experienced United players get all kinds of abuse in the past, but he doesn't expect it to happen with Giggs.

''I am not sure Giggs will get that,'' he said. ''He is one of the few players that other fans like. He has their respect. He has never been sent off and he's had only a few bookings. I don't see it being a problem.''

Chelsea lead race to sign Pastore

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claims Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester City, plus Serie A side Roma, are battling it out to sign Javier Pastore.

Zamparini has imposed a Tuesday deadline for any deal to be done for Pastore and the Italian media claim Chelsea are favourites to land the €50 million playmaker.

Pastore, 22, has already been the subject of a rejected €45 million bid from "a major European side" and Zamparini believes there are now just three clubs in the running to sign the Argentina international.

"I cannot say who has the advantage between Chelsea, Manchester City or Roma. I can only underline that I'm interested in cash deals," Zamparini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Any move for Pastore or a renewed bid for Tottenham's Luka Modric would appear to have the blessing of Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay.

Like Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, for whom Chelsea have agreed a £5 million fee, Pastore would help fill the void left by Michael Essien, who was recently ruled out for six months with a serious knee injury.

It remains to be seen if manager Andre Villas-Boas is ready to push through a deal.

Chelsea agree to sign Barcelona hotshot

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that the Blues have agreed to sign Barcelona midfielder

According to club’s official website, the two clubs have agreed on the transfer fee, but the player has yet to sign a contract with the Blues subject to passing a medical.

Speaking in Bangkok, Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Oriol will soon become a Chelsea player.

“I don’t want to speak too much about him because he is not our player,” Villas-Boas was quoted as saying.

“It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien’s injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

“The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team.

“So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical.”

Diego Capel will join Sporting Lisbon

Sevilla has confirmed the transfer of Diego Capel to Sporting Lisbon.

The 23-year-old leaves the Liga outfit after seven years with the first team where he lifted the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and two Europa League trophies.

A statement from the Spanish club reads:

"Sevilla FC and Sporting Clube Portugal of Lisbon have reached an agreement for the transfer of Capel and he has signed a five-year contract with the Alvalade entity."

Details of the transfer remain undisclosed, but it is reported that Sporting Lisbon has paid the Spanish side 3.5 millioneuros up front, and could add a further 1 million euros if the Portuguese outfit qualifies for the Champions League.

Manchester United join race for Ganso

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Sir Alex Ferguson is still looking to add a quality player to the midfield area and he is reportedly keen on Santos playmaker Ganso.

The Scottish manager has turned to the Brazilian after his move for Wesley Sneijder fell through and is now pondering a big money move for Brazil’s number 10.

The 20-year-old playmaker is a target for both Milan and Inter, and has already hinted at a move to Serie A, but could change his opinion after being informed of Manchester United interest.

Milan were thought to be on the verge of signing the youngster, but the Rossoneri decided to pursue other targets and they now fear that Manchester United could hijack their bid for the midfield maestro.

Following the impressive showing at the 2011 Copa America, Ganso is ready to move to Europe, although Santos want to keep him at least until January, when they take part in Club World Cup.

PSG bid for QPR Taarabt

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have made a formal bid for QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt, according to reports.

It was reported earlier this week that PSG were in talks with Taarabt's representatives over a return to France after he came through the youth ranks at Lens.

And it is now believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, who have recently been taken over by Qatari investors, have lodged an £8.7million offer for the mercurial Moroccan.

The 22-year-old shone last season after making a permanent move to Loftus Road from Tottenham last summer for a fee of around £1million.

Taarabt was named the Championship's player of the year after helping the Hoops win the title to return to the Premier League after a 15-year absence.

Barca sign Chile forward Sanchez for £26 million

Barcelona signed Chile forward Alexis Sanchez from Udinese for $37 million on Thursday, becoming the European champion’s first major signing during the offseason transfer market.

The three-time defending Spanish champion said on its website that the 22-year-old Sanchez has agreed to a five-year contract. He becomes the first Chilean player to join Barcelona. Terms of the move were not released.

Barcelona said bonuses could add an extra $16.5 million to the deal. Sanchez will undergo a medical and sign his contract before being presented in the Catalan capital on Monday.

Sanchez scored 12 goals in 31 Serie A games for Udinese last season after joining from Argentine team River Plate in 2008. He also previously played for Colo Colo and helped Chile reached the quarterfinals of the Copa America in Argentina this month.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is likely to utilize the winger’s pace and skill on the flanks to bolster Barcelona’s attack. Last season, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez played there without much of a rest.

“He’s very young,” Guardiola said. “He can play in all three attacking positions, he shows intense defensive skills, he’s direct and from what I’ve been told, he’s a very nice kid.”

The football transfer is also the most expensive involving a Chilean. It could be end up being worth more than double what Juventus paid Lazio for Marcelo Salas in 2001, when striker Darko Kovacevic was included in a $25 million deal.

Should the deal reach a maximum $54 million, it would be Barcelona’s second most expensive signing after having paid Inter Milan $65 million for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a move that included Samuel Eto’o going the other way.

Barcelona can now concentrate on trying to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. Guardiola said Sanchez was the club’s No. 1 transfer priority, but Barcelona still wants to bring Fabregas back to his boyhood club.

Chile International Vidal set to join Juventus.

Bayer Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal confirms that he will join Juventus.
The dynamic Chile international midfielder is off to Turin, bringing speculation over the player's future to an end. Vidal revealed that he is eagerly anticipating the move.

"I am happy, this is a big and important step in my career. I take a lot of experience with me from Germany and I know that I can achieve a lot with Juventus," he told Bild before boarding the flight to Turin.

The deal began to near completion yesterday when Bayer Leverkuen sporting director Rudi Voller travelled to Italy for negotiations. The 24-year-old, who can operate in defence or midfield, will sign a five-year deal and earn around €3 million a season, according to Bild.

Italian publication Tuttosport reported yesterday afternoon that Juventus will pay €10.5m up front, which could rise to €12m. 30 per cent of the transfer fee is due to be paid to Vidal's former club Colo-Colo.

Leverkusen was unwilling to sell its prized asset to rivals Bayern Munich, and with the Chilean's contract up in June 2012, they decided to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Feyenoord appoint Koeman

Feyenoord have confirmed Ronald Koeman as their new coach in succession to Mario Been.

Koeman, who also had spells at Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia and AZ Alkmaar, takes over after Feyenoord's first-team squad had "lost confidence'' in Been.

Koeman told his new club's official website: "It is my firm conviction that we will be capable of causing some surprises in the weeks to come this season. There is indeed plenty of quality and talent in this young squad. Along with the players and the entire club, I share the burning ambition to show that we are much more capable than we have shown in the recent past.''

The 48-year-old ended his professional playing career with Feyenoord in 1997 having previously played for FC Groningen, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.

Been's decision to quit was hugely controversial, and the club's new technical director Martin van Geel said at the time that the responsibility for his exit lay "entirely with the players'' and not with the Rotterdam club's board.

Under Been last season, Feyenoord made an awful start before recovering to finish 10th in the Eredivisie. Former Schalke, Hamburg and PSV coach Huub Stevens had expressed his interest in the role but Feyenoord have opted for Koeman.

Van Geel told the club's official website: "The talks of the last few days have been very hectic. Significantly and beautifully we had almost no conversation about money, but mostly about the ambition of Feyenoord.''

Koeman will be assisted by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Jean-Paul van Gastel, both of whom he played alongside during his spell as a Feyenoord player between 1995 and 1997. He worked on his coaching skills as part of the Holland and Barcelona back-room teams in the late 1990s before taking on his first head coach post with Vitesse Arnhem in 1999.

He impressed at Vitesse, leading the club to European qualification despite a limited budget and moved on to Ajax, where he won a domestic double in 2002 and another Eredivisie title in 2004 before being dismissed in early 2005 after losing too much ground to PSV in the title race.

He spent one largely unsuccessful season with Portuguese giants Benfica before returning to Holland to coach PSV, where he won the league title in 2007.

Later that year he moved on to Spain to succeed Quique Sanchez Flores at Valencia, where he won the Copa del Rey but was fired within days because of poor league form which culminated in a 5-1 thrashing at Athletic Bilbao.

His most recent posting began in May 2009 when he succeeded Louis van Gaal at AZ but survived only seven months in the job after a mediocre start to the season by the defending league champions.

Benfica Sign Capdevila

Benfica have completed the signing of Veteran Player Joan Capdevila from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee.

Capdevila, 33, has penned a two-year contract at Benfica, who have been seeking a new left-back after Fabio Coentrao signed for Real Madrid this summer.

The Spain international, who has 57 caps to his name, spent four years at Villarreal after joining the club from Deportivo.

While Benfica have not revealed the price paid for Capdevila, they have revealed his contract includes a buy-out clause of £17.5 million.

Players 'trafficked' and 'groomed' for match-fixing

FIFA's head of security has warned young footballers are being "trafficked'' by gambling syndicates intent on fixing the outcome of matches.

Chris Eaton claims youngsters from "humble origins'' are being targeted by criminals who help them earn deals with clubs in Europe and Latin America in return for their compliance in altering the outcome of games.

Eaton maintains that junior competitions are the breeding ground for the illicit recruitment, which he believes represents "a real and present danger to the sanctity and ethics of sport''.

"It is a form of trafficking, in my view - trafficking for criminal purposes,'' Eaton told the Independent. "It is only anecdotal evidence at this stage but it is clear. They [the match-fixers] often target people from humble origins.

"They will go to junior competitions and recruit families of players basically through the attraction of cash. 'I can get you a contract, or a game in Europe or in South America'. They will invest in the development of players and officials and then they expect payment - they want their cut.

"These people are criminals, they are organised. They are well-funded and have a long-term plan. They are a real and present danger to the sanctity and ethics of sport. I would not understate its seriousness.''

FIFA, in tandem with Interpol, has already made moves to address the problem by exploring the idea of briefing players on the dangers of match-fixing before major tournaments.

"FIFA's primary task is to prevent match-fixing,'' Eaton continued. "FIFA is redesigning its regulatory arrangements for international friendlies and competition matches, particularly in qualifiers. These are all capable of being abused by match-fixers.

"We need to arm federations with good due diligence skills - so they know whether these people arranging the matches are genuine. Prevention is the primary task. The second is to protect players and officials from the approach of criminals.''

Jo joins Brazilian side Internacional

Manchester City striker Jo has completed his transfer to Brazilian side Internacional for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Jo joined City from CSKA Moscow in an £18 million deal in July 2008 but failed to establish himself at Eastlands and was loaned out to Everton mid-way through his first season in England.

The 24-year-old, who was briefly City's record signing before his countryman Robinho joined a month later, returned to Goodison Park for part of the 2009-10 season, which also included a loan spell at Turkish giants Galatasaray.

In his final season at City, Jo spent a large amount of time on the bench, playing the occasional game under Roberto Mancini and scoring three goals in the Carling Cup and Europa League.

Despite being capped three times by Brazil the former Corinthians forward never adapted to life in the Premier League, and scored only six goals in 41 appearances for City. However he manage to seal a move which Tevez will be stuck at City for at least end of 2011 unless he do not mind to move elsewhere provided there is a £50 million offer.

Paraguay to the final despite without winning any match in the tournament

Paraguay have qualified for their first Copa America final since 1999 after defeating Venezuela in a penalty shootout following their scoreless draw in Mendoza.

The two teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the group stage, but the semi-final was to be a much more conservative affair with neither side able to make the breakthrough during the 120 minutes of play. A save from the impressive Justo Villar from Franklin Lucena's spot-kick was enough to see Paraguay through to Sunday's decider, where they will take on Uruguay.

Paraguay were on top initially, with Dario Veron heading powerfully toward goal in the opening minutes only to be denied by a fine diving save from Renny Vega.

However, Venezuela, competing in their first Copa America semi-final, were not content to spend the game on the back foot, stepping up the pressure as the first-half wore on. The goal-scoring hero against Chile, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, had a goal ruled out on 35 minutes as two of his team-mates stood in an offside position while the defender headed home.

Moments later and Alejandro Moreno slammed his header against the woodwork, while the rebound fell invitingly for his strike partner Salomon Rondon, but inspirational Paraguay skipper Villar made a superb reflex save down to his right.

The second-half provided much of the same, as Moreno and Rondon probed for an opening while Paraguay struggled to get into a rhythm.

Looking to find a late winner, La Albirroja brought on Roque Santa Cruz, Osvaldo Martinez and Marcelo Estigarribia but neither side could hit the back of the net in the 90 minutes, sending the game into extra-time.

Rondon and substitute Miku had opportunities to open the scoring in the additional 30 minutes, but both Venezuelans scuffed their strikes straight at Villar.

Meanwhile, Paraguay appeared to be falling apart, having Jonathan Santana dismissed after being shown his second yellow card for a foul on Rondon, while head coach Gerardo Martino and his assistant were both sent from the touchline.

Villar, who has been impressive all tournament, then made himself the hero in the shootout by holding onto Lucena's tentative strike, while Paraguay converted all five of their penalty attempts.

Sunday's final in Buenos Aires between Paraguay and Uruguay will be preceded on Saturday by Venezuela taking on Peru in the play-off for third spot.

Paraguay scrape through to the final without winning any match and draw at all games at regular time.

Copa America Preview: Paraguay v Venezuela

Venezuela have already rewritten the record books just by reaching tomorrow`s Copa America semi-final against Paraguay in Mendoza - but coach Cesar Farias insists his side are not ready for the adventure to end just yet.

Venezuela have never before reached the last four of the competition but they have broken that duck this year following some impressive results.

They held two-time reigning champions Brazil to a goalless draw in their opening game before going on to beat Ecuador and then fight back to draw 3-3 with tomorrow`s opponents Paraguay to finish second in Group B, level on points with the top-placed Brazilians.

That set up a quarter-final showdown with Group C winners Chile, where Venezuela recorded a 2-1 victory thanks to a late winner from Gabriel Cichero.

It has been a memorable few weeks for the country, and has left Farias and his players wanting more of the same.

"We didn`t come here to gift anything away. We came here to play six games. We haven`t suffered a defeat despite having faced three teams from the World Cup finals and Ecuador. We`ve shown we can compete with the South American teams,'' he said following the victory over Chile.

"Now we are among the best four, and we are here to continue. Hopefully we can continue making history. We cannot settle for this. We have to have a mentality of trying to continue progressing and growing.''

The previous meeting between the two teams in the group stages highlighted Venezuela`s fighting spirit as they battled back from 3-1 down to snatch a point with two goals in the final two minutes from Miku and Grenddy Perozo.

That result left Paraguay in third spot in Group B and meant they had to face mighty Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Paraguay had already given the five-time World Cup winners a scare in their group meeting when the Brazilians needed an 89th-minute equaliser from Fred to salvage a 2-2 draw, and Gerardo Martino`s men went one better in the last eight as they dumped out their highly-fancied opponents on penalties.

Looking ahead to their semi-final clash Martino, whose side reached the World Cup quarter-finals last year but have not managed to win in normal time in this summer`s Copa America, insists his side will not be underestimating their opponents.

"We`re not favourites. We are realists and a team who in a period of four and a half years have lost to Qatar, South Africa and Honduras cannot be considered favourites,'' he said.

"As well as that. Venezuela almost won the group we were in.

"We have to improve to have a little better chance of winning the Copa America and the only way to get to the final is to improve our play.''

Selection: A goal to be scored in first half.

Chelsea closing in on Lukaku

Chelsea have lodged a formal bid for Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku, according to widespread reports.

Lukaku, 18, has long-been linked with a move to Chelsea, with the Belgium international likened to Blues forward Didier Drogba due to his finishing and power.

Several sides have been linked with the teenager, but Chelsea have now upped the ante in their quest to land his signature.

It is claimed Andre Villas-Boas' side have offered in the region of £18 million for Lukaku's services as the Portuguese coach plots for his debut season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku scored 15 league goals in the 2009-10 campaign to help Anderlecht win the Jupiler League title, while last season he scored 16 goals from 37 appearances as his side finished third.

Greening quits Fulham for Forest

Versatile midfielder Jonathan Greening has left Fulham to join Nottingham Forest on a three-year deal - and could take the captain's armband.

The 32-year-old Scarborough-born schemer, who can play anywhere across the midfield four, began his career at York City before spending three years at Manchester United.

Greening has also played for Middlesbrough and West Brom, and was a fans' favourite at The Hawthorns where he was skipper for most of his spell there.

However, he only made 10 league appearances for the Cottagers last season and his move to the City Ground should ensure him more first-team football.

He will reportedly cost McClaren around £600,000 this time and is a contender for the captaincy this season following the release of Paul McKenna.

Jonathan Greening insists first-team football and a reunion with Steve McClaren were his reasons for swapping Fulham for Nottingham Forest.

Greening, who played under McClaren at Manchester United and Middlesbrough, started just six Premier League matches last season.

The 32-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Forest and is hoping to make more of an impact at the City Ground.

"I was looking to leave Fulham as I had not been playing as often as I would have liked," said Greening. "It was massively frustrating for me last season. I only started six games but I was on the bench every other week. It was disheartening to be training every week only to end up on the bench. Hopefully I can play a bigger part of things at Forest.

"For Steve to come in for me was brilliant. He is a big factor in why I have come here. I worked with him for two years at Manchester United and for three at Middlesbrough, so I know what he is all about.

"I am really looking forward to working with him again. He has a lot about him. He will do a really good job and it is a great benefit to have him here."

Gecov: Signs for Fulham

Slovan Liberec midfielder Marcel Gecov has completed a move to Fulham after successfully passing a medical and signing a two-year contract.

The 23-year-old Czech international was in London on Tuesday to undergo a physical examination and Fulham are happy that he can handle the rigours of Premier League life.

"He's signed and I am happy with him," said boss Martin Jol. "He is a very talented player.

"He's a good midfield player and played against England [in the Under-21 European Championships] and got two assists so he is full of confidence.

"He knows he can play against English teams and that helps. He signed the contract yesterday.

"He had a very good tournament and was very decisive in games.

"That gave us confidence and he has been on our radar for at least a year.

"The Fulham scouts knew him and had very good reports on him."

The deal is reportedly worth £700,000 and Jol believes Gecov is a good addition to the Cottagers' squad.

Gecov is delighted to have secured a switch to Craven Cottage and admits he cannot wait to get started.
And added that he is enormously happy because it has always been his dream to play in the Premier League.

Gecov's agent claims his client should have no problem adjusting to life in England, with Fulham having put him through a thorough medical.

Porto sign Danilo from Santos

Porto have signed versatile Brazil Under-20 international Danilo from Copa Libertadores champions Santos.

Danilo, who can play on the right side of defence or midfield, made the 13 million euros switch to the Europa League champions on Tuesday.

A statement from the Portuguese club said: "Porto comes to inform that it has reached an agreement with Santos for the acquisition of the sporting rights of athlete Danilo Luiz da Silva. This agreement sees the payment of a fee of 13 million euros."

Porto beat out rivals Benfica, who were also thought to be interested in the young Brazilian's services. Danilo's arrival opens the way for full-back Jorge Fucile to depart the club, with interest coming from the Serie A in the form of Roma and Lazio.

Agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez has been completed

Barcelona has reached an agreement with Udinese over the signing of Alexis Sanchez, according to Gino Pozzo, the son of Udinese club owner Giampaolo Pozzo. The Serie A outfit has finalized a deal with the European champions for the Chilean international, with an official announcement to be made in the coming days.

Speaking with Spanish radio station RAC1 upon his arrival on Wednesday at Barcelona's El Prat airport, Pozzo stated that "the agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez is complete."

The Chilean, who is back from Copa America, is expected to join Barca's preseason training camp once the deal is complete.

The 22-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona from Italian club Udinese in recent months, with the deal reportedly costing27 million euros plus variables.

Sanchez played an important role with Udinese last season, scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances in the league. His success in club and country has also gain the interest of other major clubs across Europe in past seasons such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Barca's closest rival Real Madrid.

Tevez transfer deal collapses

The deal between Manchester City and Corinthians for striker Carlos Tevez appears to have collapsed, with the Brazilian club revealing they are unable to make the first payment immediately as requested by City instead of early in 2012 as stated in the Sao Paulo club's original offer.

Corinthians now say they are in no position to make an up-front payment, and with the transfer window in Brazil closing on Wednesday, the club have made a statement on their official website suggesting the Argentine will have to remain with City until at least next January.

Corinthians' director of football, Duilio Monteiro Alves, earlier confirmed the negotiations were not going well, saying: "I'm pessimistic. City want us to start the payments now, and we cannot do that."

Adrian Ruocco, Tevez's attorney added: "Regrettably, judging from the pace of negotiations right now, it is improbable that we will come to any agreement with Corinthians."

"The only thing that stands in the way of a deal is this matter about the first installment. But we will wait until Wednesday, that is the only thing we can do."

Peru v Uruguay: Preview

Uruguay can move a step closer to becoming the most successful nation in Copa America history tomorrow night when they take on Peru for a place in the final, although coach Oscar Tabarez is not expecting it to be easy.

Uruguay are currently level with Argentina on 14 Copa America successes, but with the Albiceleste having already been dumped out along with two-time reigning champions Brazil, Tabarez's men are now favourites to win their first crown since 1995.

However, in a tournament that has produced a number of upsets already - including Uruguay's quarter-final penalty shoot-out success over star-studded Argentina - Tabarez is not underestimating the threat posed by Peru in tomorrow's semi-final in La Plata.

"If you paid attention to everything that was written before the Copa America, they are a surprise, but I know the Peruvian style of play, their coaching staff, and in every tournament there appears a team who were not in the original calculations,'' he said.

"Maybe Peru and Venezuela have caught the attention most, but I'm not surprised.

"It's going to be a very difficult game, it's going to be against a team that is going to stand toe-to-toe with Uruguay.''

He added: "We've completed the minimum objective that we'd planned before coming, which was to repeat what we did in the last Copa America (reaching the semi-finals). We now have to see what happens against Peru.''

Uruguay and Peru have already clashed once on this year's Copa America, with the pair sharing a 1-1 draw in the opening match in Group C.

Peru have won the Copa America twice before, with the most recent occasion being in 1975.

My Selection: Uruguay-0.5

Corinthians have less than 24hours to close Tevez deal

Corinthians are close to making a final decision over Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, after City sent them a letter detailing changes to the terms reportedly agreed at the weekend.

Despite reports that Corinthians' bid of £44 million with £4 million in add-ons had been accepted, the Brazilian side released a statement on Monday that said: ''Manchester City has not accepted Corinthians' offer for the player... In fact, the club (City) sent a counter-proposal in which the Premier League club asks for changes in the form of payment and also in the total value of the transaction.''

City have made three demands, the first of which requires Corinthians to raise their offer by around £3 million to almost £47 million including the add-ons - which brings the final fee closer to City's original valuation of £50 million.

City also require that the first of the four agreed instalments is brought forward, while Corinthians have also been asked to produce a bank guarantee to prove that they have the funds to complete the transfer.

City also wish the transfer to be completed "as soon as possible'', but with negotiations continuing and Corinthians yet to respond, it is expected to carry on until Wednesday's deadline.

Palermo claim Pastore offer from a major European side.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claims the club have received a €45 million offer for Javier Pastore from a major European side and believes his future will be settled in the next ten days.

Pastore, 22, has been linked with a number of the biggest clubs on the continent, but he has said he would like to remain in Serie A next season amid reported interest from Inter and Roma.

However, Zamparini says the offer has come from a club outside Italy and warned Roma will have to move quickly if they want to get their man.

"I heard from another great club on Monday, a European one and not an Italian side," Zamparini told Radio Radio. "They are an important European outfit. I spoke to their sporting director and I told them to talk to the player's agent.

"The person with whom I talked to asked me to lower Pastore's price from €50 million to €45 million. I'm only accepting cash though and no player exchanges.

"Roma need to hurry up if they want him as I think the situation will be resolved in the next ten days. I've not heard from anyone at Roma, though, even if it would be nice if Pastore did continue to play his football in Italy."

Gudjohnsen joins AEK Athens

Former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen has signed for Greek Super League side AEK Athens on a two-year deal.

Eidur Gudjohnsen won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009
Gudjohnsen, 32, had been close to a move to Championship club West Ham, but after the deal stalled he quickly decided on a move to AEK.

The Icelandic international has played for Tottenham, Stoke and Fulham in the past 18 months but told AEK's official website he is now looking forward to the challenge of playing in a new country.

He said: "I'm happy and excited to be here. It is a new step in my career and a challenge for me. I will give it my all.''

Gudjohnsen won the Eredivisie with PSV as well as back-to-back Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea, while his spell at Barcelona culminated in winning the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Awana could face ban over backheeled penalty

The scorer of a backheeled penalty, who has become an internet sensation as a result, is facing possible disciplinary action from the United Arab Emirates Football Association.

Theyab Awana stole the headlines in the UAE's 7-2 friendly defeat of Lebanon on Sunday for his 78th-minute penalty which he slotted home with his heel after running backwards towards the spot.

He was shown a yellow card at the time - although his offence was unclear - and now the UAE's team manager has hinted at a sanction.

Esmaeel Rashed told The National newspaper: ''This should not have happened. I think what happened is disrespectful. We cannot accept anyone in our team who does not respect the opponent and does not respect the people who are working, or the supporters.

Coach Srecko Katanec was also unimpressed, immediately substituting the player after the penalty, just 10 minutes after sending him on.

''This is not respect, Okay? I am unhappy. My reaction was normal: I took him out,'' he said.

Rashed has spoken to Awana and claims the 21-year-old Baniyas midfielder is full of remorse for his actions.

Rashed added: ''In the end, he's young, but he has to know what are the good things and the bad things. I think he will learn from this moment. He's really, really upset and very worried. From when he was sitting with us today, he's blaming himself.''